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The U.S. military said Saturday that it struck and disabled three Iranian crude oil tankers after the Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships in regional waters.
“Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on X.
American forces also destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo, also known as the “Noxen,” in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after its crew was ordered to abandon ship, CENTCOM said.
The command said an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple Iranian attacks.
No U.S. personnel were injured, according to the statement.
CENTCOM said the vessels were part of a “multibillion-dollar shadow network” allegedly used to finance the IRGC and its regional proxies.
“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours,” CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said.
“We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet,” he added.
Regional tensions have escalated since U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran began on Feb. 28, with Tehran responding with missile and drone strikes against Israel and U.S. interests across the region.
Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 concerning freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Its implementation has stalled amid disagreements over security arrangements in the strait.
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